Common Prevention Steps
Colds are caused by dozes of viruses and no effective vaccine has been created to make cold prevention a one step process. But consistent, everyday habits can deter spreading cold viruses to others.
Stop bacteria and viruses in their tracks. When you can't get to a sink to wash, gently rub an alcohol-based hand solution with at least 60 percent alcohol. It will kill many infection causing bacteria.
Hand washing. It sounds so simple, but washing your hands throughout the day is surprizingly effective in keeping cold viruses from infecting you and those around you. And start this habit early: teach your children the value of washing their hands several times each day. Remember to clean under fingernails where bacteria can hide. Timing is everything. Wash your hands for at least 15 seconds; enough time to hum 'Happy Birthday' to yourself! Use hand gels and liquid hand cleansers that are gentle on skin. And since lather traps bacteria, be sure to rinse throughly. Then pat dry with a disposable paper towel.
Keep things clean. Common household surfaces, think counters in the kitchen and bathrooms, are prime areas where cold viruses and bacteria can be passed from one family member to another. Also keep toys, those for children and pets, clean every day.
Stop sharing. If someone in your home is not feeling well, don't share glasses or table ware. Designate specific glasses and mugs as your own.
Make a tissue your target. Feel a cough or sneeze coming on? Try to cough and sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away immediatly and wash your hands. No tissue within reach? Then sneeze or cough into your bent elbow.
Keep your distance. If a family member or co-worker is suffering with a cold, avoid close contact for any length of time.
If you live with pre-school children, select childcare services and nursery schools carefully. Review their cleaning and health practices carefully and especially their guidelines pertaining to keeping sick children at home.
